Can you grow cherimoya from seed?

Propagating Cherimoya. Cherimoya can be propagated by seed; the seed is viable for two to three years if kept dry. Sow seed in deep containers; cherimoya forms a taproot.

How long does it take cherimoya to grow for seed?

Trees are fast-growing, producing fruit from seed in 3-4 years. Fruits are large, from 4-8″ long, and sometimes weighing over 5 pounds. Harvest fruits when skin turns slightly yellow or pale green, or when skin gives a little to touch.

How poisonous is a cherimoya seed?

Cherimoya seeds are poisonous if crushed open. Like other members of the family Annonaceae, the entire plant contains small amounts of neurotoxic acetogenins, such as annonacin, which appear to be linked to atypical parkinsonism in Guadeloupe. Moreover, an extract of the bark can induce paralysis if injected.

How long does it take for a cherimoya tree to bear fruit?

Cherimoyas ripen in 5 to 8 months after pollination changing in color from a darker to a light green or greenish tan, 3 to 8 inch ovoid weighing 1/2 to 6 lbs. In California fruit ripens from November to June. Other members of the family that are grown for their fruit are: Sugar apple or custard apple (Annona squamosa)

Are cherimoya self pollinating?

It does self-pollinate, but the fruits are typically quite small. Cherimoya’s sweet fruits have a delightful flavor.

How do I get my cherimoya tree to bear fruit?

Fertilize cherimoyas with a balanced fertilizer like 8-8-8 in midwinter and then again every three months. Increase this amount each year until the tree begins to bear. Cherimoya fruit can be rather heavy, so pruning to develop strong branches is important.

Can you grow cherimoya in pots?

Native to South America, but quickly naturalized throughout the world to other tropic and sub-tropic regions, it has become quite legendary. Unfortunately, growing the Cherimoya tree to produce this delicious fruit can be done only in one select region of the United States, and it will not grow well in containers.

What insect pollinates cherimoya?

beetles
The small beetles which are suspected to pollinate cherimoya in its land of origin are much smaller than bees. For fruit production outside the cherimoya’s native region, cultivators must either rely upon the wind to spread pollen in dense orchards or else use hand pollination.

How do you fertilize a cherimoya tree?